Panamax Acquires Furman Sound

Feb. 24, 2006
Acquisition expands family of companies in Linear Corp's Home Technology Group

Two California companies that are well known in the power engineering field are joining up in Petaluma, Calif., Panamax, a division of Linear LLC's Home Technology Group, announced on Thursday that it has acquired Furman Sound.

Furman, known among security and automation dealers for the company's power handling technologies, including AC power conditioning units and distribution units, brings a business of 32 years to the Linear group.

While the Linear staple of companies has reached deeply within home automation, security, lighting controls and audio visual, the acquisition of Furman, which also produces audio and video signal processors, brings the company into the music industry arena.

Panamax's president, Bill Pollock, said in a prepared statement that the acquisition presented a number of synergies within the division.

“My team and I are excited about the growth potential for both companies that this engineering partnership will allow," said Pollock. "We believe that the advantages of a strong group, especially one with world-class engineering and electronics manufacturing operations, will increase our ability to bring new and innovative products to our global customer base."

Furman's V.P. of Sales and marketing, David Keller, called the merger a "perfect marriage."

Panamax, already an established named in the security and electrical contracting market, is known for its own power conditioning products. The company's products are used for home theaters, cable and satellite TV systems, as well as house appliances. It's "Max" products series are recognized among dealers working on home theater projects.

The Linear family of companies is online at www.linearcorp.com. Panamax is online at www.panamax.com. Furman Sound is online at www.furmansound.com.